Overcoming Limitations: How a Filipino Speaker of English uses Compensation Strategies

Abstract

While the topic of language learning strategies has become very popular in the last few decades, there have been few studies addressing how social context impacts the use of language learning strategies. This article examines how both the stage of learning and the setting in which the learning is taking place affect a specific individual’s use of compensation strategies for speaking English. More specifically, this article focuses on professional vs. casual settings. The participant is an adult Filipino speaker of English who has seventeen years’ experience using English in her profession in a variety of settings abroad. She is currently working as a nurse in Minnesota. Based on interviews, questionnaires, and observations, this study concludes that even though the participant feels more proficient speaking English at her workplace than in nonprofessional settings, she utilizes compensation strategies in both settings. The findings indicate that compensation strategies can aid in language learning regardless of the learner’s proficiency level and setting in which the learning is taking place.